In what initially was viewed as a positive development, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred reportedly met with Players Association executive director Tony Clark this week after negotiations between team owners and the union over the phone proved futile.
The sit-down prompted MLB to submit another proposal after it was initially believed they would not. Players were offered full prorated salaries over a 60-game regular season schedule, with the possibility of earning more through an expanded postseason.
Also included in the plan was the implementation of a universal designated hitter for not just a potential 2020 season, but also the 2021 campaign.